Ah, the smell of cheap hot dogs (that sell for $4) and the laughter of fans who witness a poor soul dump nachos (for $7) all over the front of their lap as they try to sit back in their seat. Yes, it’s that time of year again when stadiums begin to rev up for the oncoming mobs of die hard fans (and your local celebrity appearance – Ben Affleck for the BoSox) in anticipation that their team will be World Series Champions for the ’08 season. (If you’re a fan of the Devil Rays, Marlins, or *gasps* Royals, you don’t have this issue).
But, as much as I want to gasp and stand in the shadows, I am a Kansas City Royals fan. I will now be accepting donations to allow my team to actually afford the talent they bring up in the minors. (Beltran, Dye, Damon, etc. etc. etc.)
Enough of the desperation thoughts of what “could have been” and the glory days of Brett, White, and Saberhagen, let’s get it on with the 2008 Kansas City Royals! Let's look at what rookie manager Trey Hillman has to work with, especially when talking to his team around home plate after a game.
2008 Outlook: Young. Talented. Unproven. That sums up what this years version of the Royals represent. Outstanding talent lines the roster, enough to make a good southern boy drool at the thought of fried chicken and cornbread. (And yes, it is noon time here, and I’m hungry!) Hochevar is a stud as is Gordon. With a pitching staff that can keep them in the game, the offense is the only aspect that really needs dramatic improvement from the 2007 roster. With a big name signee (Guillen) that is outside the norm for Glass to pursue and sign, that improvement seems to be coming sooner rather than later. I can actually state, with confidence, my prediction for the 2008 Kansas City Royals… *drum roll*… 4th place in the AL Central. They play in a tough division, possibly the toughest in regards to true competition and not a 2 man show (Boston – New York) or a 1 trick pony (Angels). Their record will reflect their improvement, as it won’t quite touch upon .500, but it’ll hover there most of the season, possibly over for a bit, until the season takes its toll upon the youth. Prediction: 80-82 (+/- 3 games)
Position Analysis:
1B: Maybe the toughest battle on the roster. Todd Shealy, having come over from the Rockies two years ago, suffered a terrible season last year, plagued by injuries. Now healthy, he’s a hoss, able to put up 20+ homers a year and drive in 80+ ribbies. The question here is, CAN he stay healthy? Thus enters the competition. Billy Butler. More than likely, Butler will move to the OF or primarily serve as DH (now that the slot is open minus Sweeney… finally) and offer quite the punch in his role there. His play last year was good, but once he is used to the pitching staffs of major league rosters, watch out, as he could become another beast able to pop over 25 homers and just maybe, *fingers crossed*, stay with the Royals past a break out year.
2B: Grudzielanek. That’s all that needs said. Gold glove winner and veteran leadership for this young team. He might be nearing the end of his career, but he can still play.
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